Bibi Graetz founded his winery in 2000 on the grounds of his family’s home, Castello di Vincigliata which is located in the hills of Fiesole just north of Florence, Italy. The 7.4 acre vineyard that surrounds the Castello was planted by Bibi’s parents in 1971. A graduate of the Academia dell’Arte in Florence, this artist-turned-winemaker began producing classic Tuscan varietals in the 1990’s when the family’s vineyard contracts began to expire. In collaboration with consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini, Bibi produced his first vintage in 2000 and the wines quickly gained critical acclaim. In 2006, Wine Spectator named Testamatta as its top Tuscan wine and, “One of Tuscany’s true cult wines. Bibi’s affinity for indigenous grape varietals like Sangiovese, Ansonica, Colorino and Colore is as well known as are his often provocative wine names and labels. Sourcing old vine fruit from vineyards in Fiesole and Giglio Island, off the Tuscan coast, Bibi’s winemaking philosophy revolves around sincerity of expression. The wines are hand-crafted, honest statements of terroir, tradition and variety. Since 2004, Bibi has made the wine himself and is equally hands-on in the vineyard. Yields are kept to a minimum. Sangiovese is fermented in small open-top wood vats, pigeage is done by hand and the finished wine matures in French oak barrels.

Tasting notes

A medium-bodied wine with hints of blackcurrant, sweet plum, graphite and smoky oak, it offers fine grained tannins and a creamy textured finish.

Rating

Wine Spectator 90 points (Oct 15 2013)The cherry, plum and tobacco flavors are expressive in this harmonious red, lingering with firm tannins and a spicy finish. Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino. Best from 2016 through 2028. 3,000 cases imported. –BS

Technical notes

(90% Sangiovese/7% Canaiolo/3% Colorino). Fruit from 40+ year old vines planted in Fiesole on a mix of clay and Galestro soils was fermented in stainless steel and matured for 15 months in French oak (25% new).